J.S. Bach: Sei suonate a Cembalo certato e Violino solo

Featuring

Ambroise Aubrun
Mireille Podeur
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Instruments

Ambroise Aubrun, the violinist on this recording, plays a Matteo Goffriller violin, which is on loan from the Langart Foundation in Switzerland.

Compositional Technique

These sonatas, based on the Sonata da chiesa model, feature alternating slow-fast-slow-fast movements and showcase Bach's mastery of contrapuntal devices and the Italian partimento.

Composer Biography

J.S. Bach, a renowned keyboardist, was also a violinist and often played the viola part within his orchestras.

Composition History

J.S. Bach composed these six sonatas between 1718 and 1723 while serving as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold Anhalt-Cöthen, overseeing the court orchestra and instrumental music.

Interpretation

The performers considered historical sources and the affects assigned to tempo indications by Mattheson, such as 'affliction' for Adagio and 'hope' for Andante, to inform their tempo choices.

Composer's Artistic Vision

J.S. Bach excelled in the 'Ars combinatoria', where thematic responses in two or three voices flourish, and in his slow movements, he cultivated the art of moving and convincing with tenderness.

Performer Biography

Mireille Podeur, the harpsichordist, is a graduate of the Paris National Superior Conservatory and holds a doctoral degree in musicology from the University of Paris Sorbonne.